Approaching Climate Change: Different Perspectives and Methods

Lund University, Sweden | 13 - 18 June 2027 

Application deadline: Friday 04 December 2026, 11:00 

The 16th LERU Doctoral Summer School, in 2027 to be held at Lund University, brings together PhD students working in an interdisciplinary manner around the theme: “Approaching Climate Change - Different Perspectives and Methods” 

Climate change is not only a scientific and technological challenge but also a
societal, political and cultural transformation process. Addressing it requires
interdisciplinary perspectives, methodological pluralism and critical reflection on the role of universities and researchers in shaping sustainable futures.
This Doctoral Summer School explores how different disciplines approach climate change and sustainability transitions, with particular attention to urban
governance, sustainable consumption, degrowth, energy communities, industrial transformation and inner–outer dimensions of sustainability. By combining theoretical reflection, interactive learning formats, games, field visits and panel discussions, the programme creates space for doctoral researchers to critically examine assumptions, methods and normative positions embedded in their own work.

The course is designed as an intellectually challenging and collaborative learning
environment in line with the LERU Doctoral Summer School concept of fostering
creative, critical and autonomous intellectual development.

LERU Tabs

Objectives

The summer school aims to:

  1. Facilitate interdisciplinary exchange on climate change and sustainability
    transitions across natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and
    humanities.
  2. Introduce participants to a range of analytical, methodological and
    systems-oriented approaches to understanding and addressing climate
    change and sustainability transitions.
  3. Encourage reflection on the wider implications of sustainability
    transformations, including technical, social and political dimensions, and
    their relevance to participants’ own research.
  4. Create lasting networks among doctoral researchers across LERU and CE7
    universities.
Expected Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the summer school, participants will be able to:

  • Compare how different disciplines frame and approach complex
    challenges related to climate change and sustainability transitions.
  • Identify how different analytical, methodological and systems-oriented
    approaches can contribute to understanding climate and sustainability
    challenges.
  • Reflect on the interactions between technical, social and political
    dimensions of sustainability transformations and relate these to their own
    research.
  • Relate interdisciplinary perspectives to their own doctoral research and
    communicate their research across different academic fields.
Costs and course format

The registration fee for the programme is €600, which will cover materials, catering and accommodation during the programme.   

Imperial will provide funding of £1000 towards the costs of participation for the nominated student. This includes the registration fee (€600) and a contribution towards travel (up to £450 can be claimed for return flights/train travel from London to Lund and any applicable visa costs). Participants will be expected to cover any costs above £1000.  

This course will be delivered on-site at Lund University (Lund, Sweden). Participants should take the entry requirements into account, including vaccination requirements and visas, when arranging travel to Sweden. 

Who can apply

Imperial has one guaranteed place on the summer school. 

As part of the application, you will be asked to provide a statement of motivation (maximum 500 words). The selected candidate will later be asked to provide a statement of motivation and up-to-date CV which will be shared with LERU.  

Who can apply? 

The summer school is for intermediate to advanced doctoral candidates in all fields of academia. Doctoral students who are at a later stage of their PhD will benefit from the learning environment that challenges their thinking into new directions through cross-disciplinary perspectives. Candidates should be highly motivated to work intensively on this project in an international and interdisciplinary team. All sessions will be conducted in English. 

Imperial College London participants must: 

  • Be a current doctoral student (from any discipline)  
  • Be more than 18 months into their PhD at the time the course takes place 
  • Be available for the entire duration of the Summer School and must be prepared to take part in all activities, discussions, group work and field visits.  
  • Be willing to prepare by completing any preparatory readings prior to the course  

Successful applicants will: 

  • Be strongly motivated to engage with the programme theme of “Approaching Climate Change – Different Perspectives and Methods”.  
  • Be able to explain what they hope to gain from the experience 
  • Be keen to connect with fellow doctoral students in international and multidisciplinary group work 
  • Be willing to communicate their experiences to peers and colleagues at Imperial afterwards 
  • Be able to demonstrate an interest in building international networks 
  • Be willing to be a good ambassador for Imperial 
How to apply

Applications are now open. Apply now via the online Application Form. 

The application deadline is Friday 04 December 2026, 11:00. 

Any additional queries, please contact: irop@imperial.ac.uk  

Please note that it is not possible to provide feedback on individual applications.